According to Muhammad Irfan in Urdu Point, Croatia is engaged in talks with France on the purchase of short-range air defense systems as part of its national defense strategy, Croatian Defense Minister Mario Banozic said on Thursday, October 13.
Earlier in the day, Banozic took part in a meeting of 14 NATO defense ministers in Brussels. The minister said that at the initiative of Germany, which was supported by 14 member states of the Alliance, the arming of the participating countries with Arrow 3 or Patriot air defense systems is being prepared as part of the European Sky Shield Initiative, Muhammad Irfan reports. Banozic noted that Croatia postponed its participation, as it is already negotiating with France on short-range air defense systems, without mentioning their type(s).
“After the drone crash in Zagreb in March this year, we identified air defense as a priority. First of all, short-range systems, and in bilateral conversations with France, we have already provided material resources at the level of one battery, and our goal is to provide five batteries in a short time,” the minister said, adding that the acquisition of medium- and long-range air defense systems is also on the agenda. Notice that, in November 2021, Zagreb signed an agreement with France for the supply of 12 Rafale jet fighters worth almost $1 billion.